Fox News Hosts Join Right-Wing "Tea Party" Movement (VIDEO)

Rick Santelli and CNBC may be keeping their distance from the tax day tea party movement Santelli inadvertently spawned in an on-air rant, but Fox News seems to be throwing everything it's got behind protests planned for April 15.

Fox anchors Sean Hannity and Neil Cavuto boarded the bandwagon first by signing on with tax day tea parties in Atlanta and Sacramento. Now Glenn Beck will be broadcasting from the Alamo in Texas and Greta Van Susteren will party in Washington, D.C., amounting to hours and hours of rotating live coverage of the anti-tax, anti-spending events.

"This year Americans across the country are holding tea parties to let politicians know that we've had enough," Beck said yesterday. "Celebrate with Fox News."

The Huffington Post wants to have citizen journalists at as many of these events as possible. If you think you'd be interested in attending one of the Tea Parties and reporting back to us with dispatches, photos, or video, click here to sign up. We'll contact you shortly with further instructions.

WATCH:

Comments

[AlexTinker]

While reactionary citizens carried out their tea party stunt yesterday, young clean energy leaders nationwide prepared for 100+ town hall forums with members of congress and other elected officials to discuss real economic and environmental solutions as part of Focus the Nation 2009: A nationwide town hall on the clean energy future. Find out more at http://www.focusthenation.org.

[maggie711]

On my way to Tea Party in my area! 10's of thousands of Americans are standing round the water cooler today expressing their views on government spending, big government. This isn't about race, or Bush or Obama, it's about policy. Way to go America!

[maggie711]

Tea parties going global ~ More than 2,000 protests planned for Tax Day – even in Denmark. An exploding movement. The popularity of the movement has become evident as the American Family Association surpassed 2,000 cities today – and nearly 3,000 organizers across the U.S. For complete article see: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/

[maggie711]

500 Tea Parties are scheduled around America tomorrow, there just wasn't enough room around the office water cooler. Thumbs up to all you patriots who are willing to make a stand to help keep America the GREAT country it is.

[MisterRooster]

It's too bad that people cannot avoid partisanship and name calling when issues that affect all of us are being discussed.

Not only are the promised tax "cuts" going away, but we are all being taxed through inflation. The trillion point two of federal reserve money used to "buy up" treasury bonds that no one wants is just printed paper that devalues every penny you make. If you insist on making this an economic class war then try to understand that inflation hurts the low income family far harder than the "rich".

Tax increases are in the works under different names such as carbon capture and trade which will put a $3200 burden on EVERY household, not just those damn Republicans. Understand that every cost incurred by businesses, whether big or small, will be passed on to the consumer. Once again tapping the lower end of the economic spectrum far worse than direct taxes.

I think everybody knows that Tim Geithner, underpaid his taxes stating that it was very confusing. If a freaking MBA and "financial genius" can't interpret the tax code, maybe it's time to change.

Don't be so quick to point fingers and drag out the same tired vitriol. The TAX ISSUE effects all of us and needs a public uprising. By the way all of the people I've been in contact with regarding Tea Parties in my state have reinforced that partisanship is not welcome and all attempts to fund or provide goods have been politely refused.

[maggie711]

You are so right on! The Gov. isn't giving the people ANYTHING!!! When the Gov. bails out a private enterprise, the money is coming out of our pockets in the form of higher taxes ...and the circle goes round and round.

[txdemjen]

After slogging through hyperbolic metaphors bemoaning the "loss of our country" I've yet to encounter a cogent argument that addresses a) the rampant greed that got us here, b) the details of the "free market" solution to our problems, c) the expectation for corporations and money traders to act responsibly, d) how years of Republican control did not ensure prosperity with extreme free-market ideas and, e) the enormous debt incurred under Republicans, much deliberately hidden. One cannot seriously argue this meltdown was caused by Obama or that short-term money lust run amok is the solution instead of the problem.

Obviously there are no salient points to support the supposed outrage over deficits (Grover Norquist and Ronald Reagan were all over balanced budgets) so just tell the truth. When debt is incurred for war and the military industrial complex, which still accounts for the majority of our debt, you're fine with it. When we want to provide a sustainable and fair healthcare system, a productive education system, domestic infrastructure, etc. you're livid. I disagree, and would argue that the goal is to balance our budget (thank W for starting us off in a big hole). For the sake of intellectual honesty, I would appreciate the real argument here. At least it is productive and democratic. The feigned indignation over debt and taxes (most of which have been CUT) is a cowardly lie. Have the backbone to stand up for your actual principles so we can have an honest discussion.

[notanofan]

Looks like your thesaurus got a real workout...­....

[DrCadr]

Number of people who voted in this poll: 264224
1) Who is most to blame for America’s current economic crisis?
71% voted: Clinton Administration and the Democrats in Congress
11% voted: The Bush Administration
2% voted: Wall Street
12% voted: Banks and sub-prime lenders
2% voted: Real estate and mortgage professionals
0% voted: Investors
1% voted: Home buyers
2) Do you agree government bailouts are the answer to America’s financial crisis?
7% voted: Yes
88% voted: No
5% voted: Undecided
3) Do you believe the American taxpayers should have to foot the bill for our financial systems mistakes?
7% voted: Yes, we have to or we’ll end up in a prolonged recession or worse a depression.
22% voted: No, America is too far in debt already.
68% voted: Absolutely not, the American people should never be responsible for bailing out the private sector.
2% voted: Undecided
4) Do you believe the government bailouts will ultimately rescue our country's financial system?
8% voted: Yes
86% voted: No
6% voted: Undecided
5) Do you believe Barack Obama was the best choice to handle the country's future economic policy?
12% voted: Yes
85% voted: No
3% voted: Undecided
source: 11 April, 2009, PLD

[maggie711]

For those who think we are a small insignificant group, Tea Parties are springing up all over the country and to name just a few:
Atlanta, Cincinnati, Nebraska, Tampa, Lexington, Ridgefield, Conn., Raleigh, Orlando, D.C., Staten Island, California (Pasadena, Fullerton, Fresno, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Van Nuys, Santa Monica), Boston, Rochester, N.Y., Jacksonville, Minnesota, Cleveland, Columbus, Mo., Little Rock, Ark., Philadelphia, Kansas City, Harrisburg, Green Bay, Salt Lake City, Lafayette, Boise, Monterey, Maui, Yonkers, Utah, Tucson, Phoenix, Hoboken and Chicago.
PLANNING TO ATTEND A TEA PARTY PROTEST? Please join the PJTV citizen reporter corps and help with coverage. PJTV will have crews out, but with 300-500 tea parties scheduled, no media organization will be able to cover them all. So cover them yourselves, and let PJTV help get the word out! (Repeated). They tell me that about 250 have signed up, but more is always better!
Here's a few more planned:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=91398

[maggie711]

*LOL* - don't you just love an intelligent debate?

[mickeydougal]

I propose a bill to Congress that, in order to run for federal office, either House, Senate or President, a person's credit report be REQUIRED to be made public, as well as her/his tax returns for the previous 10 years. If someone is going to be responsible for all of the taxpayers' zillions of dollars, I want to know that they are responsible with their own dollars first!

[DrCadr]

That's actually not a bad idea, very practical. After all, if you can't get your own house in order (indicating integrity) why should 350Million people trust you? At least this would shut (hopefully) some of the unfounded opinions from any die hard (at any cost) Red or Blue. Well stated mickeydougal.

[maggie711]

I agree 100%. Our leaders are our examples to this generation. Look at the horrible examples they have already set. They are teaching this generation they can lie, steal and cheat without consequence. And someone will bail them out!

[DrCadr]

Yes, there aren't too many fiscal Cs in the Republican Party either. That too is reported on Fox & others esp. by Ron Paul etc. It's not the core point of the Tea Parties. They are protesting the massive spending increase & its long term effects. The Repubs are upset with their own too, not just the siege mentality Dems, or it certainly seems that way to some extent.

Since we all live in free countries, mocking their right to public protest is not in the spirit of freedom or free thought. In the EU/UK, there have also been similarly related protests.

What the anti-Tea Party group fails to bring up most of the time is that most Republican supporters have and are fed up with their party's over spending also.

Let’s not forget, Obama's main $ people = Bush's (Gietner, Bernache (sp?) et al.). If you’re going to protest the budgets then be congruent in your analysis of the parties involved. BOTH Parties, BOTH Bush & Obama produce the same misplaced revenue to non performing organizations at the cost of the tax payer. To my understanding from what I’ve investigated, a significant portion (MOST) supporters of the Tea Parties are of this or similar opinion. It simply is more sophisticated of an issue than Red vs. Blue; if only our world was that simple.

I have noticed better representations of points and facts though now finally on this article (& from both sides!), I like that.

[maggie711]

Someone who understands. Dr.Cadr: "BOTH Parties, BOTH Bush & Obama produce the same misplaced revenue to non performing organizations at the cost of the tax payer. To my understanding from what I"ve investigated, a significant portion (MOST) supporters of the Tea Parties are of this or similar opinion." Absolutely! We have a serious issue spiraling out of control! More spending, more bailouts will NOT stimulate the economy. Fiscal responsibility will and it needs to begin at home, in the white House! The administration is creating even a BIGGER government and it needs to be reduced not made larger.

[mike42nola]

You and the good Dr have both hit the nail on the head. I don't care what party the President Represents. I don't care what party my Senators and congressmen come from. I do care that they take better care of the people they are elected to represent and neither party has shown the will to do this.
I really thought we had something going with Newt and his Contract with America. Too bad they didn't fulfill a third of what they pledged to do. If they had they would still be the party of the majority.
I am looking into forming a group that seeks to throw out every incumbent that has two terms or more and replace them with people that can better represent the poor and middle class of this country. Just about every Senator and Congressman right now are millionaire and we aren't a nation with a majority of the people being millionaires.
Overspending by our government is going to finish off our economy no matter which party you choose to blame for it.
We must unite and fight against this drain on our economy and give the power of government back to the people.

[dnegri]

Even with the help of commentators here, I still can't figure out exactly what these tea party participants are specifically protesting. "Tax too much, spend too much" is, of course, 2/3 of the current Republican meme against Obama. Wonder how many times I'll hear those words. Guess I'll have to go find out....and won't be surprised if I don't get the same kind of disparate answers that the NYT reporter got.

[DrCadr]

In short & in contrast to neo-liberal socialists, there are technical reasons why:
- printing Trillions$ & w/o public consent
- giving the $ to wealthy industries that mismanaged their own affiars (finance, ins., auto etc.)
- forcing future generations to pay this spending back; & they'll have to + interest + inflation
- eminent inflation will only reduce buying power of the poor and middle class
- future social costs like pensions, medical etc. will be difficult to sustain with spending it all now
- 100s of millions$ have gone to foreign companies
- a lot of the$ went to Dem. donators whilst companies that didn't gone none (generalization).
- FYI BHO committee is the same as the last administration. This is not all 'anti Dems'.
- we could go on for financial technical aspects but gets a bit much for this forum.

[decalhoun]

Maggie
Sounds more like a teabagger party.

[maggie711]

Maggie loves her country and respects it's democratic process FOR ALL Americans may participate in for whatever cause they feel important to them. You can't figure it out still. Unfair taxation, bailouts and stimulus plans that are not stimulating the economy. The American people are paying for ALL of this. Once again this is a systemic people problem NOT a 'party' problem. Americas 'trusted' officials on BOTH sides of the White House let America down. And some of the biggest offenders are is still running the show. If you don't get it now... you will very soon!

[mike42nola]

Maggie;
You are one of the few people that I have conversed on here that really get what the true problem facing our nation is. We don't have a vast multitude of problems to solve. If we demanded a balanced budget, term limits on our so called representatives and a line item veto for the President we could solve just about everything that needs to be solved.
Congress forces spending into bills that the President must sign. If he could veto certain items we could balance our budget.
Congress should never seek to spend money that can't be paid back that year.
Our debt burden is currently at $150,000,000,000 per year. By 2014, according to the budget the Senate just passed it will increase to over $500,000,000,000 per year. The Red/Blue haters only want to rant and rave at each other and not focus on their clothes being stolen off of their backs while they do it.

[shastacola]

Elections are the ultimate democratic process. You lost, get over it.

[DrCadr]

decalhoun, I'm not sure if you read the 1000s of post on this, but that exact phrase has been said so many times, I lost count. If you've got nothing of substance to say, why bother? Constructive dialogue is what makes this platform great for mutual understanding. Snarky quips say more about you than they do about anybody else.

[bellabeach]

This will be a bust and I would bet very little attendance!

[Portnoy]

That's goingto be the fun part. I'll be there are shots of the crowd and it will show 40 odd people.

Thankfully HuffPo is enlisting our help to get the real picture out about these rallies. We need to expose them for what they really are. Make sure youtake plenty of pictures of their "Hussein Obamma" signs.

I'm going to be down there at one of my local ones. I can't wait to take pictures of the pathetic event!

[maggie711]

The last two Tea Parties in the Los Angeles area drew crowds of 800 and 1,500 hundred people and coming one on Santa Monica Pier is expected to exceed the 1,500 hundred crowd. Hardly pathetic!

[DrCadr]

Not sure if you read, but the news said 30,000 in the last Tea Party with a much bigger one next after Easter. The liberal media will no longer be able to censor to the same extent as the TYTimes.

[DrCadr]

bellabeach (nice name by the way, it's fun) and Portnoy, you can also go to:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/10/tea-party-video-right-win_n_185577.html

Conveniently, they covered the more extreme elements rather than the 10s of 1000s. This is how neo-liberals manufacture consent. It also insults the intelligence of many readers. Huffington Post needs to work on editorial balance.

You may disagree with the Tea Parties, you every right; in fact I would die to protect your right but don't piss on the right of free speech for sake of endorsing ignorance. In the West, we have a lot more freedoms and rights endorsed by governments Red or Blue, Centre Left or Centre Right so at least illustrate some integrity in assessing the story with a mutual and developmental attitude. It's what separates us from the animal kingdom.

[notanofan]

Could you be any more WRONG?????? Atlanta easily estimated over 20,000. There were large crowds in each city and good sized crowds in the smaller towns. Originally, the Huffpost wanted to write the "They Threw a Part and Nobody Came" story. Since attendance was great, the story had to be about "The 10 WORST SIGNS."...­....Whatev­er......

[maggiee]

I can't bring myself to go to one of these because I don't live in the District of Columbia and therefore don't have to worry about TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.

Maybe this makes me a stickler for history but seriously, couldn't they come up with a better way to protest government debt? Chain yourselves to a giant credit card or something.

[maggie711]

Do you have a better more constructive idea to offer rather than criticizing those who have the fortitude and courage to make a plan and stand on principle for something they believe in? Probably not! Thats the problem with most bloggers, they are full of criticism but 'can't bring' themselves to take any personal action. The Tea Parties are a symbolic opposition of 'unfair taxation' and It's as much a apart of the democratic process as voting so your voice may be heard. I'm proud to be involved in a movement with such patriots. I'm sure you've heard the term it's better to "Stand for something or you'll fall or anything." My hats off to all you Tea Party participants out there across America. While the Tea Parties represent 'freedom' from taxation, the present administration and it's policies represent the future 'chains' of bondage to the government.

[maggiee]

like I said, how about chaining yourselves to a giant credit card? Anchors made from credit cards maybe? Dickensian poor-house references? Something. I just have a problem with playing fast and loose with history and confusing people about the meanings of things they should know. Those of us Americans who don't live in the District of Columbia have taxation WITH representation. Read the history of the Boston Tea Party....w­hy they did what they did and you will see this doesn't make sense! It's a non-sequitor. That's why it's being mocked. If it was a powerful statement it wouldn't be such an easy target.

Oh and the problem I have with most bloggers is that they don't read other people's comments carefully before spouting off.